Lockdown

I crouched in the corner of the library storage room, resting my head against the cool metal of the library shelf.  My mouth was dry, my palms sweaty, and my heart was near a hum rather than a beat.  Closing my eyes, I began to think of all the things that could go wrong.  Had I locked the door?  Could he see the bathroom light under the door?  A chair was creaking. Was I absolutely SURE that I had locked the door because now that I thought about it...

Then the doorknob jiggled, and my heart dropped to release the butterflies in my stomach.  After kicking the door and turning the doorknob a few more time, our active shooter moved on.  Later, shots were fired in a neighboring hallway, and I knew either a teacher had been spotted or the police were confused about the shooter's position.  But slowly my heart resumed its normal beat, and I fidgeted in my seat and made a mental note to bring my phone the next round.

Lucky for me, it was all a drill.  A drill we repeated two more times.  And thank goodness that I did not have any students to worry about. I tried to remain objective as a newly pregnant co-worker debated between making her students the priority and protecting her unborn child.  However, objectiveness in the face of emotionalism is not my strong suit.  I am not pregnant, so who am I protecting?  Minus myself, because I'd like to get married in August and be around some more.  But knowing my nature, I sincerely doubt that would stop me from opening my door or sharing my hiding spot (strictly against the rules, apparently). *sighs* I'd rather think about math.

Wish List

Tom Joules Rain Boots

Women's Premium Glossy Rain Boots | Tom Joules

I do not like the look of rain boots.  They are chunky and rubbery and what nice clothing could you possibly wear with them?  Furthermore, I would never pay this price for something that I do not even truly value- but if I'm going to protect my feet from getting wet, I'd want boots that look a little like this.

We are in that awkward time of year where I do not want to wear flats/heels outside, nor do I want to cover my feet for the entirety of the day.  And with the weather still deciding what it wants to do, rain or snow or slush or cold, these boots are the perfect cover-up before a nice switcheroo into heels.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, if I'm going to wear rain boots, I'm going to do it right.  I love these and the stripe on the back.  I also love the famous Tom Joules Red Rain Boots with a cute red bow on the back (seen on Pinterest).

* Neither "Wish List" posts nor "Wish List" photographs have been endorsed by any company. I do not (currently) own any items, and all views expressed are entirely my own. 

Side Adventures

While still contemplating the potential Southern lifestyle in my future, ruminating on the side adventures is much easier and enjoyable.

The car filled with a spontaneous group, ready to stretch our legs and breath air not contaminated by potato chips, we sped through Kentucky hoping to get where we were going and quickly.  Road signs directed us further and further south, pointing us in the direction we were meant to go.  But we didn't go right away.  Gaining an hour led us to believe that hour was free- we had time to explore.  Sighting a sign for Mammoth Cave and Caverns, we made a u-turn (acceptable is most other states) and found ourselves at the home of the largest known cave system in the world.  What a claim to fame!

After we bought cheap tickets for a short tour, we poked through the gift shoppe and small informational museum.  Eventually, our tour was ready to go.  We did not see any dead bodies, although there were bodies found in the system.  Every year, more and more tunnels and tools are discovered.  Although the entire idea of digging in a cave sounds interesting and exciting, I doubt my skinny self would last very long in the constant cool temperatures.  Alas.

The entrance to the cave/cavern.

Cold.  Oh so cold.

The original digging site and materials for saltpeter. The cold preserves everything.

The great unknown.  With lights.

Sometimes the spontaneous stop is better than the destination.  I would not count the numerous gas stations are better, though.  However, I would count our lunch stop.  We chose to dine at the National Corvette Museum.  Coincidentally, I already know what Karl's baby will look like.

I don't see much of me or him, but I am convinced this is his future child.

Everyone arrived back home safely, and both Karl and I were grateful for such sweet and fun traveling companions.  I especially was thankful because I did not have to drive once (I dread driving long distances).  I was allowed to sit in the back and stretch my legs at my leisure.  Hurrah for long naps, Welsh's gummies, iPods, and pepperoni rolls with banana peppers!

And We're Off!

This weekend takes us to another warm place.  Funnily enough, it rarely snow there during the year, but this Saturday, it has chosen to put some snow in its forecast. *shrugs* My luck.

Either way, I am more apprehensive about this one.  Sometimes it can be difficult to truly be open to what God has for me when I am so sure the grass is greener on the other side.  One more place, one more trip.  When Karl has so many options, the ants in my pants tell me to keep moving.  However, call it a gut feeling or woman's intuition, but this place gives me a knot in my gut. 

Please pray as I try to attempt to untie those knots and be receptive to a different place.  Also, I'm told Southerners cannot drive in any sort of snow- pray for safety for me and my travel companions!

Wish List

Downtown Day Trip Bag


Downtown Day Trip Bag | Modcloth



I love Modcloth, and I love bags.  And sometimes, this can be a dangerous combination.  Alas, I will love this bag from afar.  The color blue is striking, and I can only imagine all the wonderful things this particular small tote can hold.  I also swoon over the fact that it models itself after a more high-end bag (ie: Celine) that might make me drool.

Perfect for spring, this little gem would be the perfect pop of color in an otherwise dreary winter or rainy spring.

* Neither "Wish List" posts nor "Wish List" photographs have been endorsed by any company. I do not (currently) own any items, and all views expressed are entirely my own. 

It's a Mystery

We thought this was it.  We thought we were going down to confirm the door that had been opened to us.  Unfortunately, we were wrong.

North Carolina was absolutely gorgeous.  The "big" cities were manageable, and the little cities were quaint.  But it was not to be.  Logistically, Karl never could have traveled around for his job without commuting late within questionable areas and for a long amount of time. 

And the blow was crushing.  I am a few steps short of devastated/frustrated/disappointed.  But the prayers keep coming to us and going from us, and the encouragement keeps lifting us.

And so we look forward, to see what other doors will be opened.

Wish List

Love Letter Napkins

Love Letter Napkins | Uncommon Goods

What a perfect way to host a party around Valentine's Day.  Okay, maybe not even a real party, but a romantic dinner for you and your significant other.  LOVE NOTES!  On a napkin.  By important literary figures.  The sweetness is unending.

Love notes written by Emily Dickinson, Jack London, Mark Twain, and D.H. Lawrence all have a different feel to them, but they are all love notes nonetheless.  Well, I wouldn't necessarily call Lawrence's a lovenote to his love...it's actually to the husband of his mistress.  Intriguing, no?

Bon appétit!

* Neither "Wish List" posts nor "Wish List" photographs have been endorsed by any company. I do not (currently) own any items, and all views expressed are entirely my own.

So It Turns Out...

That making decisions might not be so difficult after all.  I think we knew the whole time that it would come to this.  There are only so many times and so many ways that the same argument can be said and heard.  So instead we go with what is safe.  And warm.  And beautiful.  We will be visiting this weekend before we make a final decision, so keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

 

 

"Future.  That period of time of time in which our affairs prosper, our friends are true and our happines is assured." ~Ambrose Bierce

Snapshots

A few snapshots of my week:

This bracelet...

...because it suits my mood of blue and gold in January.

 This breakfast...



...because quick can be delicious.

 This spot for me...

...because I love cute little favors at weddings.

 This decoration...

...because it was the perfect centerpiece for their wedding.

This song...



...because for some odd reason, it sets the perfect pace to jog a mile.